What Songs Did Kendrick Play At The Halftime Show 2025?

What Songs Did Kendrick Play At The Halftime Show? Kendrick Lamar’s electrifying Super Bowl 2025 halftime performance showcased his lyrical genius and stage presence, potentially sparking interest in licensing opportunities for his music and highlighting the financial rewards of a successful song. Discover how payoffsong.com can help you understand music licensing, copyright intricacies, and monetization avenues, ultimately empowering you to capitalize on your musical creations. Unlock the potential for lucrative music deals and explore various revenue streams.

1. What Songs Did Kendrick Lamar Perform At The 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show?

Kendrick Lamar performed a medley of his hits at the Super Bowl 2025 halftime show, captivating the audience with his storytelling and stage presence. The setlist included snippets and full performances of tracks that spanned his career, showcasing his evolution as an artist and solidifying his place in music history.

1.1. Breaking Down The Super Bowl 2025 Halftime Show Setlist

Here’s a detailed look at the songs Kendrick Lamar performed at the Super Bowl 2025 halftime show:

“GNX (Teaser)”: This track likely served as a brief intro, setting the tone for the performance and hinting at themes explored in his recent album, “GNX.”
“Squabble Up”: A high-energy track that got the crowd pumped up, showcasing Lamar’s ability to command the stage with his delivery and rhythm.
“Humble.”: A massive hit that needs no introduction, “Humble.” resonated with the audience, encouraging self-reflection and humility.
“DNA”: A complex and thought-provoking track that delved into Lamar’s identity and heritage, showcasing his lyrical depth and storytelling ability.
“Euphoria”: This song brought a mix of energy and introspection, captivating the audience with its unique sound and powerful message.
“Man at the Garden”: A deeper cut that resonated with longtime fans, “Man at the Garden” demonstrated Lamar’s versatility and willingness to experiment with different sounds.
“Peekaboo”: This lively track kept the energy high, blending playful lyrics with infectious beats that had the crowd moving.
“Luther”: A soulful and introspective piece that highlighted Lamar’s range and ability to connect with listeners on a deeper level.
“All the Stars”: A collaboration with SZA, “All the Stars” brought a touch of R&B to the set, showcasing Lamar’s ability to blend genres and collaborate with other talented artists.
“Not Like Us”: This track brought a raw and unapologetic energy to the performance, solidifying Lamar’s position as a powerful voice in hip-hop.
“TV Off”: A timely message encouraging viewers to disconnect from screens and engage with the world around them, “TV Off” served as a thought-provoking conclusion to the performance.

1.2. What Made Kendrick Lamar’s Halftime Show Performance Special?

Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl 2025 halftime show was special for several reasons:

Storytelling: Lamar is known for his ability to tell stories through his music, and he brought that talent to the Super Bowl stage, weaving together a narrative that resonated with viewers. According to a press conference on Feb. 6, Lamar stated, “Storytelling. I think I’ve always been very open about storytelling through all my catalog and my history of music,”.
Energy: Lamar brought a high level of energy to the performance, captivating the audience with his stage presence and delivery.
Hometown Pride: Lamar paid homage to his hometown of Los Angeles, bringing the energy of the city to the Super Bowl stage. Lamar expressed, “Being in the now and being just locked in to how I feel and the energy I have now, that’s the LA energy for me,”.
Collaboration: The appearance of SZA during “All the Stars” brought a dynamic element to the show, highlighting Lamar’s ability to collaborate with other talented artists and create a unique sound.

1.3. How Can Musicians Benefit From Super Bowl Exposure?

A Super Bowl halftime performance can significantly boost a musician’s career in various ways:

Increased Visibility: The Super Bowl is one of the most-watched events in the world, providing a massive platform for musicians to reach a global audience.
Record Sales: Halftime performances often lead to a surge in record sales and streaming numbers for the performing artist.
Touring Opportunities: The increased exposure can translate into more lucrative touring opportunities and larger crowds at concerts.
Licensing Opportunities: The songs performed during the halftime show can gain increased interest from advertisers, filmmakers, and other content creators looking to license music for their projects.
Brand Partnerships: The Super Bowl performance can open doors to brand partnerships and endorsement deals, further boosting the musician’s income and profile.

2. Understanding Music Licensing And Royalties After A Super Bowl Performance

What songs did Kendrick play at the halftime show can impact their future use and monetization. The Super Bowl halftime show is a high-profile event, and the music performed is subject to copyright laws. Understanding music licensing and royalties is crucial for musicians and rights holders to ensure they are properly compensated for the use of their work. Payoffsong.com offers comprehensive resources on music licensing, helping artists navigate the complexities of copyright law and maximize their earnings.

2.1. What Is Music Licensing And How Does It Work?

Music licensing is the process of obtaining permission from the copyright holder to use a piece of music for a specific purpose. This can include:

Synchronization Licensing: Using music in visual media, such as films, TV shows, and commercials.
Mechanical Licensing: Reproducing and distributing music, such as on CDs, vinyl records, and digital downloads.
Public Performance Licensing: Performing music in public venues, such as restaurants, bars, and concert halls.
Streaming Licensing: Using music on streaming platforms, such as Spotify and Apple Music.

According to the National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA), securing the correct licenses ensures that copyright holders are fairly compensated for the use of their work.

2.2. Types Of Royalties Generated From Music Performances

Several types of royalties are generated from music performances, including:

Performance Royalties: These are paid to songwriters and publishers when their music is performed publicly.
Mechanical Royalties: These are paid to songwriters and publishers when their music is reproduced and distributed.
Synchronization Royalties: These are paid to songwriters and publishers when their music is used in visual media.
Streaming Royalties: These are paid to songwriters and publishers when their music is streamed online.

ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC are the main Performance Rights Organizations (PROs) in the United States that collect and distribute performance royalties to their members.

2.3. How Super Bowl Performances Impact Royalties For Artists

A Super Bowl halftime performance can significantly impact royalties for artists:

Increased Performance Royalties: The massive audience for the Super Bowl means that the songs performed will generate significant performance royalties.
Increased Streaming Royalties: The increased visibility from the performance often leads to a surge in streaming numbers, resulting in higher streaming royalties.
Increased Synchronization Opportunities: The exposure can lead to more opportunities for the songs to be licensed for use in films, TV shows, and commercials, generating synchronization royalties.

3. Optimizing Your Music For Licensing And Commercial Success

Understanding what songs did Kendrick play at the halftime show and how they resonated with audiences can inform your own creative process. To maximize your chances of licensing your music and achieving commercial success, it’s important to focus on creating high-quality songs that appeal to a wide audience. Payoffsong.com provides valuable tips and resources on songwriting, music production, and marketing, helping artists create music that stands out and attracts the attention of potential licensees.

3.1. Key Elements Of A Licensable Song

Several key elements make a song more licensable:

Catchy Melody: A memorable and catchy melody is essential for attracting listeners and making a song stand out.
Well-Written Lyrics: Lyrics that are relatable, thought-provoking, or emotionally resonant can increase a song’s appeal and make it more licensable.
High-Quality Production: A professionally produced song with a clear and polished sound is more likely to be licensed.
Versatility: Songs that can be used in a variety of contexts, such as commercials, films, and TV shows, are more valuable to licensees.
Clearance: Ensuring that all rights to the song are clear and that there are no potential copyright issues is crucial for licensing.

3.2. How To Produce Music That Appeals To Licensees

Producing music that appeals to licensees involves several key steps:

Understand The Market: Research the types of music that are currently being licensed for use in commercials, films, and TV shows.
Focus On Quality: Invest in high-quality recording equipment and production software to create a polished and professional sound.
Collaborate With Professionals: Consider working with experienced producers, mixers, and mastering engineers to ensure your music meets industry standards.
Create Instrumental Versions: Licensees often need instrumental versions of songs for use in their projects, so it’s important to have these available.
Tag Your Music Properly: Use relevant keywords and tags to make your music easily searchable on music licensing platforms.

3.3. Marketing Strategies To Increase Licensing Opportunities

Effective marketing strategies can significantly increase your licensing opportunities:

Create A Professional Website: Showcase your music and provide information about your licensing terms on a professional website.
Use Social Media: Promote your music on social media platforms and engage with potential licensees.
Network With Industry Professionals: Attend music industry events and connect with music supervisors, advertising agencies, and film production companies.
Submit Your Music To Licensing Platforms: Register your music with reputable music licensing platforms to increase its visibility to potential licensees.
Offer Competitive Licensing Fees: Research industry standards and offer competitive licensing fees to attract potential licensees.

4. Legal Considerations For Using Music In Commercial Projects

What songs did Kendrick play at the halftime show are subject to copyright laws, and understanding these laws is crucial for anyone looking to use music in commercial projects. Using music without proper licensing can result in legal action and significant financial penalties. Payoffsong.com offers resources on copyright law, fair use, and other legal considerations, helping you navigate the complexities of music licensing and avoid potential legal issues.

4.1. Understanding Copyright Law And Music

Copyright law protects the rights of songwriters and publishers, giving them exclusive control over their music. This includes the right to:

Reproduce the music.
Distribute the music.
Perform the music publicly.
Create derivative works based on the music.

According to the U.S. Copyright Office, copyright protection begins automatically when a work is created and fixed in a tangible form, such as a recording or sheet music.

4.2. The Importance Of Obtaining Proper Licenses

Obtaining proper licenses is essential for using music in commercial projects. Using music without permission can result in:

Copyright Infringement Lawsuits: Copyright holders can sue infringers for damages, including lost profits and statutory damages.
Injunctions: A court can issue an injunction preventing the infringer from continuing to use the music.
Reputational Damage: Using music without permission can damage your reputation and make it difficult to obtain licenses in the future.

4.3. Fair Use And Its Limitations

Fair use is a legal doctrine that allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission from the copyright holder. However, fair use is subject to several limitations and is often difficult to apply in practice. Factors considered in determining whether a use is fair include:

The purpose and character of the use: Is the use transformative, or is it merely a copy of the original work?
The nature of the copyrighted work: Is the work factual or creative?
The amount and substantiality of the portion used: How much of the work was used, and was it the “heart” of the work?
The effect of the use on the potential market for the copyrighted work: Does the use harm the market for the original work?

Given the complexities of fair use, it’s always best to obtain permission from the copyright holder before using music in a commercial project.

5. Case Studies Of Successful Music Licensing Deals

What songs did Kendrick play at the halftime show might inspire others to seek similar success. Examining case studies of successful music licensing deals can provide valuable insights into how to navigate the licensing process and maximize your earnings. Payoffsong.com features case studies of successful music licensing deals, highlighting the strategies and tactics used by artists and rights holders to achieve their goals.

5.1. Examples Of Songs That Generated Significant Revenue Through Licensing

Several songs have generated significant revenue through licensing:

“Happy” by Pharrell Williams: This song was licensed for use in numerous commercials, films, and TV shows, generating millions of dollars in royalties.
“Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes: This song became a popular sports anthem and has been licensed for use in numerous commercials and sporting events.
“Crazy in Love” by Beyoncé ft. Jay-Z: This song has been licensed for use in numerous commercials, films, and TV shows, generating significant revenue for the artists and publishers.

5.2. Analyzing The Strategies Behind These Successful Deals

The strategies behind these successful deals often include:

Creating High-Quality Music: The songs are well-written, well-produced, and appeal to a wide audience.
Clearance: All rights to the songs are clear, and there are no potential copyright issues.
Effective Marketing: The songs are promoted effectively through social media, licensing platforms, and networking with industry professionals.
Competitive Licensing Fees: The licensing fees are competitive and attract potential licensees.

5.3. Lessons Learned For Aspiring Musicians And Songwriters

Aspiring musicians and songwriters can learn several valuable lessons from these case studies:

Focus On Quality: Create high-quality music that appeals to a wide audience.
Clearance: Ensure that all rights to your music are clear and that there are no potential copyright issues.
Marketing: Promote your music effectively and network with industry professionals.
Be Flexible: Be willing to negotiate licensing fees and terms to attract potential licensees.

6. The Role Of Music Supervisors In Selecting Music For Projects

What songs did Kendrick play at the halftime show were likely vetted by music supervisors. Music supervisors play a crucial role in selecting music for films, TV shows, commercials, and other projects. They are responsible for finding the right music to enhance the emotional impact of the project and create a cohesive soundtrack. Payoffsong.com provides information on how to connect with music supervisors and pitch your music for potential licensing opportunities.

6.1. Who Are Music Supervisors And What Do They Do?

Music supervisors are professionals who oversee the selection and licensing of music for visual media projects. Their responsibilities include:

Working with directors and producers to determine the musical needs of the project.
Searching for and selecting appropriate songs for specific scenes or moments.
Negotiating licensing fees with copyright holders.
Ensuring that all music used in the project is properly licensed.
Managing the music budget for the project.

6.2. How To Get Your Music In Front Of Music Supervisors

Getting your music in front of music supervisors can be challenging, but there are several strategies you can use:

Network With Industry Professionals: Attend music industry events and connect with music supervisors.
Submit Your Music To Licensing Platforms: Register your music with reputable music licensing platforms that are used by music supervisors.
Create A Professional Website: Showcase your music and provide information about your licensing terms on a professional website.
Use Social Media: Promote your music on social media platforms and engage with music supervisors.
Target Specific Projects: Research upcoming film, TV, and commercial projects and target your pitches to music supervisors working on those projects.

6.3. Building Relationships With Key Industry Contacts

Building relationships with key industry contacts, including music supervisors, is essential for long-term success in the music licensing industry. This can involve:

Attending Industry Events: Attend music industry events and connect with music supervisors in person.
Networking Online: Use social media and professional networking platforms to connect with music supervisors.
Providing Value: Offer valuable information, resources, or assistance to music supervisors.
Following Up: Stay in touch with music supervisors and follow up on your submissions.
Being Professional: Always be professional and respectful in your interactions with music supervisors.

7. Exploring Different Revenue Streams For Musicians

Beyond licensing, what songs did Kendrick play at the halftime show can generate other revenue streams. Musicians have several options for generating income from their music. While licensing is a significant source of revenue, there are other avenues to explore. Payoffsong.com offers comprehensive information on various revenue streams for musicians, helping them diversify their income and build a sustainable career.

7.1. Performance Royalties, Mechanical Royalties, And Streaming Revenue

In addition to licensing, musicians can generate revenue through:

Performance Royalties: These are paid to songwriters and publishers when their music is performed publicly, such as on the radio, in concerts, or in restaurants.
Mechanical Royalties: These are paid to songwriters and publishers when their music is reproduced and distributed, such as on CDs, vinyl records, and digital downloads.
Streaming Revenue: This is generated when their music is streamed on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music.

7.2. Merchandise Sales, Touring, And Fan Engagement

Other revenue streams for musicians include:

Merchandise Sales: Selling t-shirts, posters, and other merchandise at concerts and online.
Touring: Performing live concerts and generating revenue from ticket sales, merchandise sales, and sponsorships.
Fan Engagement: Building a strong fan base and generating revenue through Patreon, crowdfunding, and other fan engagement platforms.

7.3. Building A Sustainable Music Career

To build a sustainable music career, it’s important to:

Diversify Your Income: Explore multiple revenue streams to reduce your reliance on any single source of income.
Build A Strong Brand: Create a strong brand identity and connect with your fans on a personal level.
Invest In Your Career: Invest in high-quality recording equipment, marketing, and legal services.
Network With Industry Professionals: Build relationships with music supervisors, publishers, and other industry professionals.
Stay Informed: Stay up-to-date on the latest trends and developments in the music industry.

8. Navigating The Complexities Of Music Copyright And Publishing

What songs did Kendrick play at the halftime show are protected by copyright. Music copyright and publishing can be complex and confusing, but understanding these concepts is essential for protecting your rights and maximizing your earnings. Payoffsong.com offers resources on music copyright, publishing agreements, and other legal considerations, helping you navigate the complexities of the music industry and protect your intellectual property.

8.1. Understanding Copyright Ownership And Rights

Copyright law protects the rights of songwriters and publishers, giving them exclusive control over their music. This includes the right to:

Reproduce the music.
Distribute the music.
Perform the music publicly.
Create derivative works based on the music.

Copyright ownership typically belongs to the songwriter and publisher, but it can be transferred through publishing agreements.

8.2. The Role Of Music Publishers And Publishing Agreements

Music publishers play a crucial role in the music industry, helping songwriters manage their copyrights, promote their music, and collect royalties. Publishing agreements typically involve the songwriter assigning some or all of their copyright to the publisher in exchange for these services.

8.3. Protecting Your Music And Maximizing Your Earnings

To protect your music and maximize your earnings, it’s important to:

Register Your Copyrights: Register your copyrights with the U.S. Copyright Office to protect your legal rights.
Understand Your Publishing Agreement: Carefully review and understand your publishing agreement before signing it.
Monitor Your Royalties: Regularly monitor your royalty statements to ensure that you are being paid accurately.
Enforce Your Copyrights: Take action against anyone who infringes on your copyrights.
Seek Legal Advice: Consult with an experienced entertainment attorney to protect your legal rights.

9. Future Trends In Music Licensing And Commercialization

What songs did Kendrick play at the halftime show may set trends for future music. The music industry is constantly evolving, and it’s important to stay up-to-date on the latest trends in music licensing and commercialization. Payoffsong.com provides insights into future trends in the music industry, helping artists and rights holders prepare for the future and maximize their opportunities.

9.1. The Rise Of Sync Licensing In Digital Media

Sync licensing, which involves licensing music for use in visual media, is becoming increasingly important in the digital age. With the growth of online video platforms like YouTube, Vimeo, and TikTok, there are more opportunities than ever for musicians to license their music for use in digital content.

9.2. The Growing Importance Of Data Analytics In Music Licensing

Data analytics is playing an increasingly important role in music licensing, helping music supervisors and licensees identify the right music for their projects. By analyzing data on song popularity, genre trends, and audience demographics, music supervisors can make more informed decisions about which songs to license.

9.3. Emerging Technologies And Their Impact On Music Commercialization

Emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain are also impacting music commercialization. AI can be used to create personalized music recommendations, generate new music, and automate the licensing process. Blockchain can be used to create transparent and secure systems for tracking and distributing royalties.

10. How Payoffsong.com Can Help You Succeed In The Music Industry

Inspired by what songs did Kendrick play at the halftime show, you might be seeking to monetize your own music. Payoffsong.com offers a wealth of resources and tools to help you succeed in the music industry. Whether you’re a musician, songwriter, publisher, or music supervisor, Payoffsong.com can help you navigate the complexities of music licensing, copyright law, and commercialization.

10.1. Comprehensive Resources On Music Licensing And Copyright

Payoffsong.com provides comprehensive resources on music licensing and copyright, including:

Articles and Guides: In-depth articles and guides on various topics related to music licensing and copyright.
Legal Templates: Customizable legal templates for licensing agreements, publishing agreements, and other legal documents.
Expert Advice: Access to expert advice from experienced entertainment attorneys and music industry professionals.

10.2. Tools And Services For Music Monetization

Payoffsong.com offers a range of tools and services to help you monetize your music, including:

Music Licensing Platform: A platform for listing your music for licensing and connecting with music supervisors and licensees.
Royalty Tracking System: A system for tracking your royalties and ensuring that you are being paid accurately.
Marketing Services: Marketing services to help you promote your music and increase your licensing opportunities.

10.3. Connecting With A Community Of Music Professionals

Payoffsong.com provides a platform for connecting with a community of music professionals, including:

Forums: Forums for discussing various topics related to music licensing and copyright.
Networking Events: Networking events for connecting with music supervisors, publishers, and other industry professionals.
Job Board: A job board for finding opportunities in the music industry.

By leveraging the resources and tools available at payoffsong.com, you can increase your chances of success in the music industry and achieve your goals.

Address: 1601 Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90028, United States

Phone: +1 (323) 469-2211

Website: payoffsong.com

Take the first step towards commercializing your music. Visit payoffsong.com today to explore licensing opportunities, understand copyright intricacies, and connect with a community of music enthusiasts in the USA.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Super Bowl Halftime Show And Music Licensing

1. What songs did Kendrick Lamar play at the halftime show, and why were they chosen?

Kendrick Lamar’s setlist was a carefully curated selection of his hits, designed to showcase his versatility, storytelling ability, and cultural impact, aiming to resonate with a broad audience.

2. How do artists get paid for performing at the Super Bowl halftime show?

While the NFL covers production costs, artists typically don’t get paid a performance fee but benefit from the massive exposure, leading to increased record sales, streaming numbers, and touring opportunities.

3. What is music licensing, and how does it relate to the Super Bowl halftime show?

Music licensing involves obtaining permission to use copyrighted music, and the Super Bowl halftime show requires licenses for all songs performed, ensuring that artists and publishers are compensated for their work.

4. What are the different types of music royalties, and how are they generated?

Music royalties include performance, mechanical, synchronization, and streaming royalties, each generated through different uses of the music, such as public performance, reproduction, and online streaming.

5. How can musicians optimize their music for licensing and commercial success?

Musicians can optimize their music by creating high-quality songs, ensuring clear rights, producing instrumental versions, and marketing their music effectively to potential licensees.

6. What are the legal considerations for using music in commercial projects?

Using music in commercial projects requires obtaining proper licenses to avoid copyright infringement, understanding fair use limitations, and complying with copyright law.

7. How do music supervisors select music for films, TV shows, and commercials?

Music supervisors select music based on the project’s needs, working closely with directors and producers to find songs that enhance the emotional impact and fit the overall vision.

8. What are some successful examples of music licensing deals and what strategies were used?

Successful music licensing deals often involve high-quality music, clear rights, effective marketing, and competitive licensing fees, as seen in songs like “Happy” by Pharrell Williams and “Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes.

9. What are the future trends in music licensing and commercialization?

Future trends include the rise of sync licensing in digital media, the growing importance of data analytics, and the impact of emerging technologies like AI and blockchain on music commercialization.

10. How can payoffsong.com help musicians succeed in the music industry?

payoffsong.com offers comprehensive resources, tools, and a community for musicians to navigate music licensing, copyright law, and commercialization, helping them protect their rights and maximize their earnings.